from Luke Fox of Sportsnet,

Free agency is open, which means RFAs are eligible for offer sheets.

It also means we’re in the thick of arbitration season. Hearings run through Nov. 8.

Here is a rundown of the top-15 RFAs of 2020 and the latest reports surrounding their future.

1. Mathew Barzal
Age: 23
Position: Centre
2019-20 salary cap hit: $863,333
Arbitration rights: No

Bargaining chips: Franchise player. More points (60) and points per game (0.88) than any other impending RFA, despite playing in a system that accentuates defence. Skates more than 20 minutes a night. Three consecutive 60-point seasons and three seasons as the Isles’ top scorer. Racked up 85 points in his rookie season. Pivots faster than a politician. Gutsy playoff performance through four rounds.

The latest: On March 21, GM Lou Lamoriello sent a message to any GM thinking of floating an offer sheet Barzal’s way. Lamoriello was asked by a fan if he’d match any competitive contract offer for his top centreman.

“It is our intention to not allow it to get to that point, but should that happen, the answer is yes,” Lamoriello replied.

The slick skater raised eyebrows in September when he told Arthur Staple of The Athletic that he’d be interested in seeing an offer sheet signed by a member of 2019’s loaded RFA class.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing someone shake up the league a little bit. That would be fun. Maybe see an offer sheet tossed around,” Barzal mused.

more on Barzal and more players...